Patrick Finley: Analyzing the Bears’ draft class

Patrick Finley

Bears general manager Ryan Pace said he drafted the best available players from Thursday to Saturday — and they were a potential franchise quarterback in Mitch Trubisky, one FCS running back, two Division II players and a safety with a rod in his leg.

North Carolina's Mitch Trubisky arrives for the first round of the draft Thursday. (AP)

OK with the Mitch Trubisky pick?

Yes and no. I have zero problem with Pace falling in love with a quarterback and selecting him in the first round. What he had to do to get Trubisky, though, is another matter: trade a third-round pick, a fourth-round pick and next year’s third to move up one spot. Even though the Bears recouped a fourth-rounder later, they never had the volume of picks to tap into a deep defensive draft.

Do the Bears have a quarterback controversy?

You bet they do. Glennon will start Game 1, but this is where things get awkward for him and Trubisky. Glennon must be afforded patience — he hasn’t started a game in two years — yet the first time he throws an interception, the fans will start chanting Trubisky’s name. That’s not fair to Glennon or Trubisky, who, after not huddling, calling plays in a pro-style manner or being under center in college, needs at least one year to prepare. The Bears have been clear in saying that Glennon — whom they, amazingly, invited to their public watch party Thursday at Soldier Field — is their starter this year. But this is merely the start of a very delicate dance.

My favorite pick …

The Bears were desperate for a free safety with ball skills and, to a lesser extent, an exciting punt returner, and Alabama’s Eddie Jackson gives them both. They needed defensive help like the city needs a sunny day, and, for the first time in 16 years, they drafted only one. If he can stay healthy — a problem around Halas Hall last year — the fourth-round pick could be a steal.

The Bears will regret …

Going 67 choices — from the 13th pick in the second round to the fifth pick of the fourth round — without making a selection. Eleven cornerbacks were drafted during that span, along with six safeties. The defensive-back class was said to have starters throughout the third round.

The Bears filled this need …

They finally added a quarterback to dream on. Pace sold Glennon as a capable starter last month, but his actions showed he wanted more. For a franchise whose most accomplished quarterback is Sid Luckman — whose career began during the FDR administration — or Jay Cutler, the threat of a blue-chipper is a welcome change.

The Bears missed this need …

They entered the draft with a starting job open at defensive end and didn’t select a single one.

The Bears draft was ….

Odd. Last year, the Bears had their worst record since the NFL expanded to 16 games — yet they appeared to do little to add immediate help. The Bears’ fan base —and, we presume, their coaching staff — wanted a more-immediate talent infusion. Pace, though, is playing the long game. It could be ingenious, or a disaster.